Funny Differences Between Fiction and Non-fiction Books
Which type of book is easier to write: fiction or nonfiction? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Advantages of Fiction
- In fiction, the author doesn’t have to do any pesky fact-checking. Non-fiction writers hate it when details get in the way of a good story.
- Fiction characters can do whatever the plot demands. Non-fiction figures are limited by what really happened in the past. No time travel allowed!
- Fiction worlds only follow the rules of imagination. Non-fiction must obey logic, reason, and the constraints of reality. So restricting.
- Readers pick up fiction to escape reality. They clutch non-fiction hoping to make sense of the real world. Talk about role reversal!
- Fiction plays fast and loose rewriting histories. Non-fiction gets bogged down with actual historical accuracy. No wonder timelines are messy.
- In fiction, authors kill off characters at will. Non-fiction people refuse to conveniently die on deadline. Talk about being uncooperative sources!
- With fiction, you only please readers. Non-fiction also has to appease picky fact-checkers, editors, and lawyers. So many critics!
- Fiction deadlines depend solely on publishers. Non-fiction considers pesky things like current events that can’t wait for procrastination.
- Fiction gives total narrative control. Non-fiction follows wherever discoveries lead, for better or worse. Flexibility is not its strong suit.
- Ultimately, fiction offers fantasy worlds of endless possibility while non-fiction braves the boring trenches of verified reality. No contest which is more fun!
Advantages of Non-fiction
- In fiction, you have to make up convincing characters and entire worlds out of thin air. Non-fiction relies on just recounting what already exists.
- Fiction requires crafting intricate plots that stand up to scrutiny. Non-fiction plots write themselves based on what objectively occurred.
- Fiction dialogue must sound natural and advance the story. Non-fiction quotes are just transcribed from real life. No challenge there!
- In fiction, consistency spans an entire galaxy of details. Non-fiction need only maintain consistency with facts. No room for errors there!
- Fiction scenes must be vivid enough to immerse readers. Non-fiction can slide by on basic observations and facts.
- Fiction arcs must satisfy readers emotionally. Non-fiction satisfies by simply informing on topics. Such low standards!
- Fiction climaxes aren’t given, they must be engineered for maximum drama. Non-fiction climaxes just happen and write themselves.
- Fiction leaves room for interpretation. Non-fiction allows no ambiguity so readers “get it.” Must be so freeing!
- Fiction spans generations and genres. Non-fiction works stay cozily within research specialties. Variety is difficult!
- Fiction lets imaginations soar. Non-fiction keeps both feet planted in the limitations of reality. Talk about constraining creativity!
Have a nice day))